There is a New Tooth in Town!

Published by: michadmin on November 1st, 2011

Welcome The Baby Teeth Talk Study!

My name is Shauna McGregor. I am the Community Research Assistant for the new Baby Teeth Talk: Early Childhood caries project with the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Dentistry.

Did you know that a child’s ability to eat, play and sleep can be influenced by his/her oral health? Did you also know that nutritional disorders are related to child dental disease and that toddlers experiencing tooth decay often continue to get cavities when they are older? Studies have also linked obesity to dental disease in older children.

Good news! Early childhood tooth decay is preventable. For the first-time, pregnant Aboriginal women will be given a chance to take part in a new way to fight baby tooth decay through their local Health Centre in the Winnipeg area in association with the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba by participating in the “Baby Teeth Talk Study”.

The Baby Teeth Talk Study (project) is an international study being conducted in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The study aims to improve the dental health of aboriginal children by working with the mothers from the time that they are pregnant. The project aims to result in an improvement in dental health (less tooth decay) of young aboriginal children by applying four interventions; Dental care for moms-to-be during pregnancy, Fluoride varnish applications to children’s teeth, Motivational interviewing and Anticipatory guidance.

What is so great about the project is how it plans to help develop the parents’ understanding about the health of their child’s teeth, mouth and gums and build their confidence in managing their own oral health and that of their families. This will be accomplished through offering the mothers valuable oral health information that will teach them how to look after their teeth and their baby’s teeth through a series of Motivational Interviewing sessions, (one-on-one counseling method that will help mom identify personal plans that encourage healthy childcare choices) along with Anticipatory guidance (counseling method that focuses on the needs of a child at a specific stage in their life). It also teaches mothers that it is safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy.

If you have any questions about the study email me at babyteethtalk@mich.ca